Bottas shows signs of panic about his F1 future: "There is a risk"

Audi, who will take over Sauber from the 2026 Formula 1 season, are the only team on the F1 grid outside of the Red Bull family to have a vacancy for the 2025 season. Mattia Binotto, who is part of the leadership team at Sauber, has previously stressed he is weighing up whether to put in youth or experiance next to Nico Hulkenberg next season.

Bottas was seemingly close to signing a deal, but Williams driver Franco Colapinto and McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto have moved into the picture in recent weeks. 

Will Bottas stay in Formula 1?

After nearly one full month away from the paddock, Bottas was asked why an announcement hasn't yet materialised. "Good question! I mentioned that I was hoping before Austin for it to be sorted, but still waiting for the final decisions. I think that question is more for Mattia [Binotto] to answer rather than me. At the moment, I've got the message that there's nothing I can do at the moment, it's not in my hands. Trying to perform the best I can this weekend and hope that will boost things up. But that's where we are," Bottas summarised before going into further detail.

"I think we've been in touch on a weekly basis, and I know the terms that I'm up for, and just basically waiting for the green light," he added before showing signs of panic. 

"With only one seat available, of course, there is a risk. I love Formula 1, and I want to race in Formula 1, so naturally, it's a bit of an odd situation. But that's where we are. I've had lots of time to think about different things. I'm always positive because I really feel and believe that I should be in that seat. I feel like I would be best for the interest of the team," Bottas added.

Bottas wants to know an answer sooner rather than later incase he has to look elsewhere. "From my side, eventually there will be a deadline as well, because looking outside of Formula 1 or other roles in Formula 1. When it [gets to] Christmas, there's not much availability anywhere. I don't want the headline frustrated. That's a hard word! But it's tough. It's the name of the game in this sport. If you don't have the car, it's really difficult to show what you can do. And also for people making decisions in a big company, they tend to look at the results. But I have just got to trust Mattia. He knows what he will get from me. So I just need to trust that he knows," Bottas continued. The Finnish driver hasn't been able to score a point in the World Championship this season, but neither has his teammate.

The ten-time Grand Prix winner concluded by stressing he feels money will not be an issue because of Audi's budget. He remains in the loop about future car developements but will not relax until pen hits the paper.